California | Casino Stalker

Chemehuevi Tribe revives off-reservation casino bid in Barstow

Thursday, August 25, 2011

It looks like the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians is getting some competition for an off-reservation casino in Barstow, California.

The Chemehuevi Tribe is reviving plans for a casino in the city. Its original application, like the Los Coyotes one, was rejected under a Bush administration policy that the Obama administration has rescinded.

Barstow leaders, however, are only supporting the Los Coyotes casino at this time. “We have a tribe that we’re working with that have been friends to this community,” former mayor Lawrence Dale said at a forum yesterday, The Desert Dispatch reported.

The forum gave Barstow residents a chance to ask questions of James Ramos, the chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Ramos is running for a seat on the board of supervisors in San Bernardino County and could represent the city if he wins.

Ramos reiterated his opposition to "reservation shopping," a label his tribe has applied to the Los Coyotes Band. He said he supports the Chemehuevi Tribe's plan but said he won't oppose the Los Coyotes casino.

“If they get through that hurdle, then I have no problem with that," Ramos said, referring to the federal and state approvals needed for the casino.

Get the Story:
Competing casino proposals are back (The Victorville Daily Press 8/24)
Ramos pressed for casino position (The Desert Dispatch 8/25)

Federal Register Notice:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians' 23-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, CA (July 1, 2011)